Armenia attaches importance to long-term cooperation with the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe

ArmInfo. Armenia attaches importance to long-term cooperation with the Congress of Local and the regional authorities of the Council of Europe (KMBPCE), and all programs implemented within the framework of this cooperation that helped to establish democratic institutions in the country at all levels.

On June 12, during the meeting with the delegation of KMBPCE, headed by the Congress Director Jean- Philip Bogul, the Minister of Territorial Administration and Development of the Republic of Armenia Suren Papikyan stated. In his turn, according to the press service of the department, Jean-Philip Bogul stressed that long-term cooperation with the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Development of RA was aimed at strengthening the capacity of local authorities and the formation of strong and independent administrative associations. Bogul also said that the Congress closely followed the peaceful transfer of power in Armenia, which is a testament to the establishment of a real democracy in the country. At the same time, the head of the Congress stressed that the structure he chairs is ready, within the framework of his powers, to assist in the implementation of reform programs in Armenia. Suren Papikyan stressed that the new authorities of the country intend to bring to completion the process of decentralization of local self-government bodies, which will be continued with the involvement of broad sections of society with free will. "Real government bodies can appear only when cooperating with civil society, public self-consciousness will be formed," - the minister noted, expressing hope for assistance on this issue from the Council of Europe. Jean-Philip Bogul invited Suren Papikyan to take part in the annual session of the Congress, which will be held in November this year in Strasbourg.